LOCAL BENEFITS

At each project RES designs, constructs and operates, our goal is to ensure that we create significant environmental, economic and community benefits at the local and global scale.  The construction of the project is expected to last for approximately two and a half years.

Most commonly, renewable energy projects such as the North Blyth Biomass Project are best known for the many benefits they bring at national and international scales, such as helping to reduce pollution (particularly CO2). However, these projects bring significant local benefits as well.

Economic Benefits

The construction and operation of our project will have a positive effect on the local economy. The project will help secure the Port's economic future and contribute to Blyth's regeneration. We anticipate that approximately 200 to 300 employees will be required during the peak of construction.

It is our policy to use local firms where practical during the construction phase (expected to be approximately two years), when short to medium-term jobs will be created and we will be looking for local and regional businesses that can provide people, services and materials.  Once built business rates from the project will be paid to the local authority.

Once built, the project will create an estimated 50 permanent jobs at the facility itself. RES has proposed a Workforce Development Strategy within the draft DCO to encourage the development and employment of local people. In addition, the project will create positive benefits through providing economic activity at the Port of Blyth. Not only will the project provide income for the Port, but the materials handling required will provide further employment opportunities.

Benefits will extend to the wider community as locally provided goods and services are used at the site and employees spend their incomes in Blyth and the surrounding areas of South East Northumberland.

Social Benefits

Our operating renewable energy projects attract interest from locals and visitors alike and are a useful educational resource, assisting in raising awareness of climate change and clean energy solutions among the local and wider community. Please contact us with suggestions or to learn more.

Community Fund

RES wants the North Blyth Biomass Project to benefit as many people in the local community as possible. In order for the local community to benefit directly from the project, we plan to create a community fund. For this community fund, the local community will decide how the funds are managed and spent, and this is something which we will be consulting on as we develop the project further.

Community funds are operating successfully at other RES renewable energy sites in the UK. For example, at the Altahullion Wind Farm in Northern Ireland, the fund has been spent on the creation of a new community riverside pathway and footbridge, entertainment activities for family fun days, summer schemes for local children and the maintenance and running of community buildings.